Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Lebanon, has met with Philippe Lazzarini, UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Deputy Special Coordinator in Lebanon, to discuss the growing migrant crisis in the region.

During the meeting, which was held at the UAE Embassy in Beirut, the two sides discussed the political situation in Lebanon and the region, the crisis of displaced Syrians, and the role of the UN especially in light of the high number of migrants around the world.

The ambassador praised the role of the UN and international organisations operating in Lebanon, stressing the importance of cooperation between all parties and international organisations in these difficult circumstances, especially in relation to the crisis of displaced Syrians.

He explained that the UAE is meeting its humanitarian obligations through seasonal projects in support of the health and education sectors which do not only target displaced Syrians, but also Lebanese people affected by the burden of being a host community for displaced Syrians.

According to the UN official, there are more than 200,000 children in Lebanon with no access to education and a further 500,000 unemployed people aged between 14-23, which all contributes to increased levels of illiteracy and ignorance.